Printing device



July 5, 1960 M. SCHIFFMAN PRINTING DEVICE Filed 001;. 17. 1955 6 Shasta-Sheet 1 FlG.l

INVENTOR.

MURRAY SCHIFFMAN ATTORNEY July 5, 1960 M. SCHIFFMAN 2,943,553

PRINTING DEVICE Filed Oct. 17, 1955 s Sheets-Sheet 2 m in I 3 1 I l 2 7 I l 2 i i i 7 I v a INVENTOR,

URRAY SCHIFFMAN TORNEY July 5, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 17. 1955 INVENTOR.

MURRAY SCHIFFMAN ATTORNEY United States Patent PRINTING DEVICE Murray Schilfman, Revere, Mass, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Directomat, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed our 17, 1955, Set". Nm 540,829 22 Claims. c1. fill-'69) This imrention relates to a printing device. More specifically, the invention concerns a printing device of the rotary magazine type in which a plurality of printing plates are stored; the device being electrically actuated and controlled to bring a selected printing plate into printing. position and operation.

While it has been proposed to provide magazine type printing. devices wherein selected plates are moved between operative and inoperative positions, such devices are of extremely complicated construction and require intricate control means therefor. Accordingly, an object of this invention is toprovide an improved, rotary magazine type printing device which is of simplified construction and includes electrical operating and control means having a minimum number of components which are readily wired and maintained.

Another object of this invention isto provide an improved printing device in which a plurality of printing plates are stored on the periphery ofv a rotary drum magazine, the magazine being adapted to be rotated to selected angular positions to bring a selected printing plate into printing position, together with improved means for moving the plate into and out of printing position.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved printing device and including electrical circuitry for controlling the rotation of the rotary magazine; for stopping. the rotary magazine at selected positions; for controlling and actuating other components of the device including solenoid printer means; paper feed means, plate moving means and the like.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a device of the character described, arotary drum magazine arranged to carry a plurality of individual printing plates on the periphery thereof, said plates being located relative to each other in a compact arrangement yet allowing individual plates to be readily moved between operative and inoperative positions, said plates being further operative to" provide torque' control means as the rotating magazine is stopped to bring a selected plate into printing position.

Yet another object of this invention: is to provide in adevice of the character described, elective-mechanical means for stopping arotating member at any one of a very large number of closely spaced angular positions thereof by means of a relatively small number of stop elements on the rotating. member adapted to coact with a smaller number ofelectrically operated stop devices.

Yet a further object of this invention: is to provide in adevice of the character described electrical circuitry for controlling the rotation of a rotatable member and effecting the stoppage of said member at: any one ofa very large number of closely spaced angular intervals and including a plurality of sets of master control circuits and circuit means for'interconnecting circuits taken from each of said sets of master control circuits in various combinations thereof to provide a large number of individual control circuits corresponding respectively to said angular intervals.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described, which includes a minimum number of components compactly assembled in a casing of minimum size, the components being of standard type and readily accessible for repair or replacement; the device as a whole being easily serviced.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the device embodying the invention, with the front panel removed to schematically show the major components thereof;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, transverse sectional view of a portion of the drum magazine;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the printer and plate pusher mechanism in schematic outline;

Fig. 4 is a plan view in section of details of the printer, in. schematic outline;

Fig. 5 is aperspectiveview of the casingenclosing the device;

Fig. 6 is an elevational viewof thedetails of the drum magazine and associated switches, cams and solenoids, in schematic outline;

Fig. 7 is a 'circuit diagram: of a portion of the pushbutton switch. control circuits;

Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram. of. the line selector relay circuits; and

Fig. 8A is acircuit diagram of the several actuating and control mechanisms of the device.

The device of the instant invention comprises essentially a. rotatable drum magazine having mounted onits periphery aplurality ofoverlapping printing plates arranged for aerial movement, together with a; solenoid type of. printer and electrical means for rotating the drum magazine, for selectively stopping the magazine at a predetermined angular position. to align a. selected printing plate with the printer, for moving the selectedplate into printing position and returning the same to its normal position, for operating the. printer and feeding paper to be imprinted by the plates.

Such a device is useful where a. large number of individual pieces of information are stored on: separate printing. plates, the device being manually operated to make available a' selected piece of information by actuating the corresponding printing plate toi'mprint the desired information on a portion of a strip of paper, the printed portion of. paper being separable from the strip so as to be readily available for use.

By way of. illustration, the device may be used for dispensing' travel information involving alarge number of alternative routings between given points on a transportation' system, each routing including specific instructions for reaching a; particular destination being set forth on a corresponding printing" plate.- It is understood how ever, that other types of information may be selectivelyv dispensed by the device embodying the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawingsand particularly to" Figs. 1-5, the device of the instant invention may be compactly contained within a rectangular casing 10 comprising a top' wall 11, a bottom" wall 12, a back wall 13, end walls 14', 15 and a removable front wall 16. The casing walls may be formed of thin aluminum sheets or the like.

The front wall 16 is formed at its lower end adjacent.

portion 18 carries at its upper end a set of indicating.

lights 19, 20', 21 and a plurality of individual, manually operable push button switches PB which are arranged in. rows beneath lights 1-9, 2'0; 21. Each pushbutton switch may be numbered for the purpose of identification and an instruction panel, not shown, may be mounted on wall 16, such instruction panel setting forth the various pieces of inforamtion generally, which can be dispensed by the device and correlating the pushbutton switches PB by number, therewith.

An elongated, vertically disposed mounting strip 22 interconnects front flanged edge portions of easing Walls 11, 12, strip 22 having mounted on an intermediate portion thereof, one end of a short shaft 23, the other end of said shaft being suitably journaled in a bearing member, not shown, mounted on back casing wall 13. Fixed to shaft 23 is a drum magazine generally indicated at 24, said drum having a gear 25 affixed thereto and connected by a sprocket chain 26 to a driving gear on an electric motor 27 mounted on strip 22.

The drum magazine 24 comprises a flat, circular disc 28, a ring shaped member 29 mounted in axially spaced relation to the periphery of the disc, by spacing members 30, and a plurality of fiat, rectangular printing plates 31. Plates 31 may be of the Addressograph type having removably mounted thereon thin embossed sheets 32 forming the printing element. Plates 31 include a looped portion 33 at one end thereof, forming a passageway for a suspending wire 34 mounted at the ends thereof in links 35 swingably mounted in aligned relation on member 29 and disc 28 by screws 36, whereby each plate 31 is swingably and slidably mounted on its wire 34.

Each printing plate 31 is normally disposed in a retracted position on its wire 34, with adjacent plates arranged in overlapping relation, Ferris wheel fashion. The rotating magazine 24 is adapted to be stopped in a predetermined angular position to bring a selected plate 31 into alignment with a printing device, later described, moved forwardly on its wire 34 to a printing position within the printer, followed by actuation of said printing device, by actuating and control means, later described.

A solenoid 37 on casing wall 12, through its armature 37a, moves a horizontal lever arm 38, pivoted at 38a. A plate pusher arm 39 is positioned vertically for actuation by arm 38 whose forward end is received loosely in an opening 39a in the lower end of arm 39. Straight line motion of arm 39 is defined by slide members 40 on wall 12 which receive the lower end of arm 39 therebetween. A spring 3811 within slide 40 maintains arm 39 in its retracted position. An abutment member 41 on the upper end of pusher arm 39 is adapted to engage the rear edge of the selected plate 31 to push the same forwardly on its wire 34, upon energization of solenoid 37.

The selected plate 31 is returned from its advanced position, after the printing operation is completed, as later described, by a return lever arm 42 which is pivotally mounted on a bracket 43 fixed to wall 14, with a spring 44 anchored to an extended portion of bracket 43 and connected to an intermediate portion of arm 42, to bias said arm toward wall 13. The outer end of arm 42 engages the forward edge of plate 31.

A solenoid printer 45 is located on wall 12, the same including an inked ribbon feed 46 which is ratchet operated from a solenoid 47, in a manner known in the art, said solenoid also actuating a movable platen 48 located opposite a fixed platen 49, the platens forming a throat to receive the depending selected plate 31 aligned therewith. A paper roll 50 on a support 51 supplies a strip 52 guided by a plate 52a to the throat of printer 45, being advanced by feed rollers 53 rotated by a chain drive 53a interconnected to a motor 54. Paper strip 52 is formed with longitudinally spaced control openings 55 registrable with an opening in guide plate 52a, for the purpose to be described.

With a selected plate 31 on magazine 24 advanced into the throat of printer 45 and the leading end of paper strip 52 in position against platen 49, as shown in Fig. 4, then upon energization of solenoid 47, the same will be effective to move platen 48 against plate 31, pressing the same against inked ribbon 46, and in its turn, against strip 52, to imprint thereon the information set forth on the selected printing plate on said paper strip. Thereafter, the imprinted portion of paper strip 52 is advanced by feed rollers 53 through slot 17 in front casing wall 16 where the same may be torn off against a suitable cutting edge, not shown, provided at one side of said slot.

The actuation and control of the several motors and solenoids, as well as the control of the rotation of the drum magazine 24 to stop the same at a selected angular position to bring a selected printing plate 31 into alignment with the throat of the printer 45, is effected by control circuits through the manual operation of the pushbutton switches PB. For the purpose of illustration, it is assumed that the drum magazine carries 120 different printing plates 31, each plate being adapted to imprint on the paper strip 52 specific information pertaining to a given routing between designated points on a transportation system. Correspondingly, there are 120 pushbutton switches PB arranged in rows on panel portion 18.

The control circuits include as components thereof a set of four selector micro-switches 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d mounted on casing back wall 13 opposite magazine disc 23 and arranged in a circular path at 90 intervals, also, a set of five selector micro-switches 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61:; mounted on wall 13 and arranged in an arcuate path at 18 intervals opposite peripheral portions of disc 28. A single cam 62 is fixed to the rear face of disc 28 for operating switches 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d and a set of four earns 63, 64, 65, 66 are also fixed to disc 23 at 90 intervals for operating switches 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61c.

Also fixed to back casing wall 13 is a set of six selector solenoids 67-72 arranged in an arcuate path at about 15 intervals and being disposed just outside the periphery of magazine 24. Each of said solenoids is adapted to actuate an angular member 73 having one arm 74 thereof pivotally mounted, as at 75 on wall 13. Said arm 74 is pivotally connected to the solenoid armature. The other arm 76 of member 73, in the deenergized condition of the solenoid, is disposed outwardly of the peripheral edge of magazine 24, and, upon energization of the solenoid, moves into the path of said magazine edge, the movement of said arm being limited by an abutment 77. The rear face of magazine disc 28 has projecting from the marginal edge thereof stop members 78 located at 18 intervals, such members being engaged by arm 76 of the selector solenoid energized, to stop the magazine 24. A spring 79 is adapted to restore members 73 to their retracted position after the solenoid has been deenergized and the printing operation completed.

The control circuits further include a set of four selector relays 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d; a set of five selector relays 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d, 81c; and a set of six selector relays 32a, 82b, 82c, 82d, 82e, 327. A relay from each of said sets is wired to the three pole pushbutton switches PB in different combinations thereof to provide 120 alternative circuits for operating the selector solenoids 67-72.

The selector relays are mounted on wall 13 in sockets to facilitate servicing and replacements thereof. There is also provided a set of four line relays 83, 84, 8 5, 86; a set of three relays 87, 88, 89 for controlling the feed of paper strip portion 52 as it is drawn from roll 50; a pair of circuit control relays 90, 91 and a time delay relay 92, all removably mounted in socket mountings on wall 13, for the purpose later described.

As indicated in Fig. 8A, the several electrically operated components of the invention are interconnected for energization by current supplied to terminals A, B. A transformer 93 has its primary winding P connected to conductors 94, 95 leading from terminals A, B, suppl ing through secondary winding S, power for the control circuits later described.

As shown in Fig. 8, the control circuits include line W lays 85, 84- and 83, respectively in series with. the parallel connected groups of selector relays 80a -80d; 81a -81e'; and 82a-82f.

As indicated in Fig. 8A, each of the selector switches in groups 60a-60d and 61a-61e is series connected to one set of relay contacts of a corresponding selector relay from groups 80a-80d and 81a81e; the switches in said groups being in parallel relation and being further connected to conductors 94, 95 through relay 91. Also, each of the selector solenoids in group 67-72 is series connected to one set of relay contacts of acorresponding selector relay from group 82a-82f; the solenoids being in parallel relation to each other and to relay 90 and a single revolution timing motor 96, all connected to cond-uctors 94, 95. Plate pusher solenoid 37 in series with a switch 96a operable by motor 96, are also connected across conductors 94, 95.

The printer solenoid 47, series connected to a single pole switch97 and a double pole switch 98, is connected across conductors 94, 95. The paper feed motor 54 and relay 89 are parallel connected and are connected to conductors 94, 95 through one terminal of a double throw switch 89a operable by relay 89 andthrough one terminal of double throw switch 98.

Magazine motor 27 is connected in series with a double throw switch 87a operable by relay 87, switch 87a being connected in series with a switch 90a operable by relay 90 and energized through conductors 94, 95. The relays 86, 92- and pilot light 20 are parallel connected and conn'eeted across conductors 94, 95. Relay 87 is connected across conductors 94, 95 through the normally closed contacts 88a of relay 88.

The normally open contacts 83a, 84a of linerelays 83, 84, respectively, are series connected with the double throw contacts 85a of line relay 85, all being interposed in conductor 95. Relay contacts 85a are also in circuit with the double throw contacts 88b operable by relay 88, said contacts 88b being also in circuit with pilot lights 19, 21-;

Relay 88 is connected across conductors 94, 95 through a double throw switch 99 and a switch 100; the lever arm of switch 99 being disposed to enter perforations 55 in paper strip 52 and switch 100 being operative to respond to a supply of paper to be retained in closed position. The normally closed contacts 92d of time delay relay 92'are in series with switch 1 00. The primary winding P of transformer 93 is connected across conductors 94, 95 through switch 99, relay contacts 87b ofrelay 87 being connected in parallel with switch 99. A manually operated reset switch 101 is interposed in conductor 95, and fuses F are provided at terminals A, B.

In operation, the system is supplied with current at terminals A, B, to energize relay 88, through switches 99, 100 and closed contacts 92a of relay 92. Relay contacts 88b move to a position to energize the ready pilot light 19 and relay contacts 87b are in a position to permit energization of the primary Winding P of transformer 93.

Assuming that one operating the device determines that pushbutton switch PB bearing #57 corresponds to the desired printed information to be obtained from the device, depressing said pushbutton switch will allow current derived from secondary winding S of transformer 93 to pass by way of conductors 102, 103 to selector relay 80b of the first group; selector relay 81b of the second group and selector relay 82 of the third group, the three poles of the indicated pushbutton switch PB being wired to the enumerated relays of the three groups, the relay contacts 86a, 86b, 860 of relay 86 being normally closed.

Line relays 83, 84, 85 are also energized and shift their respective contacts 83b, 84b, 85b to a position interlocking selector relays 80b, 81b, 82 through their respective holding contacts, and conductors 104, 105,

6 1 06 connected to condnetor 103. With selector relays b, 81b, 82 energized, their respective contacts 805x, SI-bx 82fx,- respectively connected in series with selector switches 60b, 61b, and selector solenoid 72, will be closed in anticipation of the closing of said selector switches and the energization of said selector solenoid.

With relays 8 3, 84 energized, relay contacts 83a, 84a will be closed and relay contacts 85a'Will be shifted to a position allowing energization of the operating pilot light 20 and relays 86, 87 and 92. Energized delay relay 92 starts a timing cycle set at a time interval which is somewhat greater than the normal operating cycle of the system-and iseffective to open contacts 92a at the end of such timing cycle, thus, momentarily deenergizing transformer winding P in the event that normal operating cycle is not completed for any reason, thereby restoring the systemto ready condition.

Theoperation ofrelay 86' opens its contacts 86a, 86b, 86c, thereby separating and rendering inoperative all pushbutton circuits immediately, with the exception of the single pushbutton circuit operated by pushbutton switch PB #57. Thus, current cannot be supplied by way of the inoperative pushbutton circuits even though another pushbutton switch is operated during the cycle initiated by switch #57.-

Also, with relay contacts 87a shifted by the energization of relay 87, motor 27 is energized and the drum magazine 24 is adapted to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction. As the magazine disc 28 rotates, selector switch- 60b will be momentarily closed by cam 62 to energize relay 91 through conductors 94, 107, 95, thus closing contacts 91a to lock relay 91. Thereafter, when selector switch 61b is momentarily closed by cam- 63, next after cam 62 relay 9 is energized through conductor 107, closed relay contacts 91a, conductors 94, 95, thus closing relay contacts b to lockrelay 90 and momentarily opening relay contacts 90a to deenergize drum magazine motor. 27;

With motor 27 deenergized, a brakingtorque is available, the same being derived from the plates 31 hanging from the periphery of magazine 24, which distribute themselves duringthe rotational movement of the magazine in a manner to shift; the centerof gravity slightly, thereby providing a torque in opposition to the rotational torque.

A1S0, Wlth current supplied to solenoid 72, the same is e'iiective to pivot its member 73 to bring arm 7 6 thereof into the path ofan approaching stop 78 on disc 28. Such stop 78 is related positionwise to earns 62, 6-3 and selector solenoid 72, as to haltthe rotating magazine 24 at an angular position thereof which will bring the printing plate 31 corresponding to pushbutton switch #57 to printing position in alignment with the throat ofprinter 45.- Justprior to the stopping of magazine 24, switch 90a completes its throw to ree'nergi'ze motor 27 and to thus provide a torque for holding the magazine position against the solenoid arm 76, whose operative position-in turn is limited by stop 77.

Also, the timing motor 96 is energized and is effective after the lapse of atime interval suificient to allow the selected plate 3 1 to assume a true vertical position, to close switch 96a. This permits energization of plate pusher solenoid 37, causing lever arm 38 to be pivoted and to push the plate 31 into the throat of printer 45. As plate 31 moves forwardly, it moves return lever arm 42, which at the" end of its forward travel operates switch 97. Thus, the printer solenoid 47 is energized to impel platen 48-,- causing plate 31 to imprint on paper 52 information setforth on said plate. The action of the solenoid 47 is operative to actuate a ratchet mechanism, not shown on rinter 45, to move the inked ribbon 46 mounted on reels, not shown", and to reverse the same, all in a manner well known in the art.

Additionally, the movement of the armatureof solenoid 47 is eifective to actuate switch 98, shifting the contacts thereof to allow the relay 89' to be energized, caus ing relay contacts 89a to be shifted, thus locking relay 89. Solenoid 47 is deenergized and the line to selector solenoids 67-72 is opened, thusdeenergizing solenoid 72 and electrically releasing the pivoted member 73 thereof. However, the energized motor 27 prevents the member 73 from being mechanically pivoted back to its inoperative position by spring 76. Also, timing motor 96 is deenergized and returns to its starting position, thus opening switch 96a.

Plate pusher solenoid 37 is also deenergized and lever arm 38 is retracted by spring 3811 within slide 40, thus allowing plate 31 to be returned to its normal retracted position on its wire 34, by the action of return lever arm 42, through spring 44. As the solenoid 47 is deenergized, the armature thereof is retracted by a spring, the movement of said armature operating the ratchet mechanism for the ribbon feed 46, as indicated above. Switch contacts 98 are shifted without effect since switch con tacts 89a have previously been shifted, opening the line including switch 98.

At this time, paper feed motor 54 is energized to rotate feed rollers 53, thus moving the imprinted portion of paper strip 52 through slot 17 in front casing wall 16, where the same may be torn off along a cutting edge, not shown, and carried away by the operator of the device.

As the paper strip is pulled from roll 50, the lever arm of switch 99 is moved out of a control opening 55 in the paper strip, to break the circuit to relay 88 and simultaneously close the circuit to the primary transformer winding P. With relay 88 deenergized, relay contacts 88b are shifted to their upper position to ready light 21 for illumination should the cycle of operation be interrupted without paper from roll 50 reaching printing position, and to deenergize light 19. Also, relay contacts 88a close to energize relay 87, thus opening contacts 87b after switch 99 has closed so that the circuit to transformer winding P is maintained; and contacts 87a shift to deenergize motor 27.

Thus, the torque of the motor 27 which has been maintained until plate 31 is retracted, is now relieved. Now, the counter torque due to the unbalanced distribution of the weight of plates 31 will cause the magazine 24 to rotate in a clockwise direction sufliciently to release arm 76 of solenoid 72, allowing member 73 to be retracted by spring 76.

Shifted relay contacts 87a will connect motor 54 in a ready circuit, to move paper strip 52 in the event that the lever arm of switch 99 does not fall into a control opening 55 of the strip, when a cycle is completed. Thus, when any pushbutton switch PB is subsequently operated, as described above, motor 54 is energized to pull paper strip 52 until switch arm 99 falls into the next control opening 55, closing the circuit to relay 88 and preparing the system for a new cycle of operation.

Under these conditions, with switch 99 shifted to its lower position and with contact 87b open, relays 83, 84, 85, together with selector relays 80b, 81b and 827, are deenergized, restoring the selector circuits to a ready condition. Also, relay contacts 83a, 84a, 85a are open, thus deenergizing light 20 as well as relays 86, 92, 89, 87, which are left in a ready condition. Motor 54 is also deenergized so that the paper feed stops before switch 99 is again raised to its activating position. With relay contacts 85a shifted, light 19 is energized, indicating that the system is in a ready condition. Switch contacts 99 are shifted to close the circuit to relay 88 which shifts relay contacts 88b to complete the circuit to light 19.

It is understood that the triple pole pushbutton switches PB, as they appear on control panel portion 18, have their poles wired to the 120 possible combinations of selector relays taken from the groups 80a-80d; 81a-81e and 82a-82f. Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, relays 80a, 81a, 82a are wired to one such pushbutton switch; relays 80b, 81a, 82a to another switch; relays 800, 81a, 82a to still 8 another switch, and so on. Obviously, with a different total number of possible combinations, the groupings of the selector relays would be modified accordingly and Wired to the corresponding number of pushbutton switches.

Since the drum magazine 24 must be stopped at any one of a large number of different angular positions, it will be apparent that the selector circuits have been arranged to operate a minimum number of switches, cams, solenoids and stops. Thus, with 120 such angular positions, as illustrated herein, the circuits have been arranged in groups of 4, 5 and 6 to provide the required 120 com binations. Obviously, with a different total number of stop positions, other groupings would be used.

As indicated herein, a selected stop position is first located within a 9O interval through the use of the four switches 60a-60d in conjunction with the single cam 62. Then the location is narrowed down to an 18 interval by means of the five switches 61a-61e in conjunction with cams 63-66 and finally one of the six selector solenoids 67-72 stops the drum magazine to bring the proper plate 31 into alignment with the throat of printer 45.

With the spacing of the selector solenoids 67-72 less than that of the stops 78 on magazine disc 28, the location of successively numbered plates 31 may be staggered as shown in Fig. 6. Thus, if pushbutton switch #58 was operated, rather than switch #57, then relay 81a, rather than relay 8lb, will be energized, so that when switch 61a, rather than switch 61b, is operated by cam 63, solenoid 72 will be operative to engage the next stop 78 on magazine 24, to stop the same in a position bringing plate 31 at position #58 in alignment with the throat of printer 45.

The remaining selector solenoids 67-71 become effective for the other stop positions intermediate successive stops 78, the number of solenoids corresponding to the number of such stop positions.

If any of the plates 31 on magazine 24 are not fully retracted by return lever arm 42, a wire on casing wall 14 is operative to engage the forward edges of said plates, as the magazine rotates, to positively cam them back to their retracted positions.

It will be apparent that there has been provided an improved printing and rotary selector device in which the several objects of invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of use.

As various changes may be made in the embodiment herein set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention, it is understood that all matter herein shown or described shall be deemed illustrative and not by way of limitation except as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus disclosed my invention, I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent:

l. A printing device comprising a magazine rotatable about a horizontal axis, a plurality of printing plates, means on said magazine engaging an edge portion of each plate for swingably and slidably mounting each plate on the periphery of said magazine, said plates being swingable about axes parallel to the rotational axis of the magazine, and further, being slidable on said mounting means between advanced and retracted positions, printing means located adjacent a peripheral portion of said magazine and having a throat for receiving a single printing plate in its advanced position, electric motor means for rotating said magazine, a plurality of circumfcrentially spaced stop means on peripheral portions of said magazine, electrically operated movable means en gageable with a selected stop means for stopping the rotating magazine in a predetermined angular position thereof to locate a selected printing plate while in its retracted position and depending from its mounting means on the magazine, in alignment with the throat of the printing means, electrically operated means engageable with said selected printing plate for moving said plate from its retracted position to the advanced position thereof within the throat of said printing means,

9 and circuit means for controlling the operation of said motor means, said stop engaging means and plate moving means.

2. A device as in claim 1 and further including electrically operated means for feeding a paper strip into the throat of said printing means, a solenoid actuated movable platen on said printing means for pressing the selected printing plate against said paper strip and circuit means for controlling the operation of said paper feeding means and said solenoid.

3. A printing device comprising a printing plate magazine rotatable about a'horizontal axis, a plurality of printing plates, means for movably mounting each printing plate on peripheral portions of said magazine and in projecting relation thereto for movement parallel to the rotational axis of said magazine, printing means located beneath peripheral portions of said magazine, said printing means having a throat in radial relation to the rotational axis of said magazine, means for rotating said magazine, means for stopping the rotating magazine at a predetermined angular position to bring a selected printing plate into a vertical, depending position in alignment with the throat of said printing means, and means for moving said selected printing plate on its mounting means into said throat for operative relation with said printing means.

4. A device as in claim 3 wherein said magazine stopping means comprises a plurality of pivoted arms arranged in an arcuate path adjacent the periphery of said magazine for movement to engage the stop means on said magazine, a plurality of solenoid means for respectively actuating said pivoted arms, said circuit means i11- cluding means operative to selectively energize a solenoid means correlated with said selected stop means.

5. A rotatable member, an electric motor for rotating said member, means for stopping the rotating member in one of a large number of angular positions, thereof, said means comprising a plurality of uniformly spaced stops on peripheral portions of said member and of a number which is a fraction of the number of said angular positions, a plurality of solenoid operated means for engaging said stops and circuit means for controlling the operation of said motor and solenoids, said circuit means comprising a plurality of control circuits equal in number to the number of said angular positions, means responsive to the rotation of said member for first activating a number of said control circuits equal in number to the number of said solenoid operated means and thereafter selecting one of said last mentioned number of control circuits for energizing one of said solenoid operated means.

6. The combination as in claim 5 wherein said circuit means comprises a plurality of sets of selector relays for controlling said control circuits, and a plurality of switch meas of a number equal to said number of angular positions, each switch means interconnecting a single relay from each set in different combinations thereof.

7. The combination as in claim 6 wherein said means responsive to the rotation of said member comprises a first set of switches equal in number to one set of said selector relays and in circuit therewith, a second set of switches equal in number to a second set of said selector relays and in circuit therewith, and means on said rotatable member for sequentially actuating said first and sec ond sets of switches.

8. A. printing device comprising a rotatable magazine, a plurality of printing plates, means on said magazine for swingably and slidably mount-ing each of said plates on peripheral portions of said magazine, said plates being disposed in overlapping relation to each other, said plates being slidable on said means parallel to the rotational axis of said magazine between a normally retracted position and an advanced printing position, a solenoid operated printing means adjacent the periphery of said magazine and including a throat portion for receiving a single printing plate depending from said magazine upon advanced movement of said plate, an electric motor for rotating said magazine, electrically operated stop means for stopping the rotating magazine in a predetermined angularposition thereof to bring a selected printing plate in alignment with the throat portion of said printing means, electrically operated means for slidably advancing said selected plate on its mounting means into said printing means, electrically operated means for advancing a portion of a paper strip into the throat of said printing means, and circuit means for controlling the operation of said solenoid, motor, stop means, plate advancing means and paper advancing means in sequence to imprint said paper strip portion by means of the selected printing plate.

9. A printing device as in claim 8 and further including means for moving the selected printing plate from the advanced position thereof to the retracted position thereof upon deenergization of said plate advancing means.

10. A printing device as in claim 8 and further including circuit means for deenergizing said motor upon energization of said stop means and thereafter reener- -gizing said motor to rotatably bias said magazine against said stop means to maintain the magazine in its stopped position.

11. In combination, a rotatable member, means for rotating said member, a plurality of angularly spaced stops on said member, a plurality of movable stop engaging meansdisposed in an arcuate arrangement adjacent the periphery of said rotatable member at an angu lar spacing therebetween different from the angular spacing between successive stops, means for actuating said stop engaging means and means for selectively controlling the operation of said stop engaging actuating means whereby to stop said rotatable member at selected positions intermediate successive stops.

12. The combination as in claim 11 wherein the number of stop engaging means equals the desired number of stop positions intermediate successive stops.

13. In combination, acircular rotatable member, an electric motor for rotating said member, a plurality of angularly spaced stops on said member, stop engaging means disposed on one side of said member including a movable, retractable member for engaging said stops, solenoid means for actuating said stop engaging means, circuit means for energizing said motor and solenoid, a control circuit for said circuit means, including means operable by said rotating member for selectively energizing and deenergizing said solenoid and for energizing and deenergizin'g said motor, a plurality of plate members swingably mountedon the periphery of said rotatable member for movement about axes parallel to the axis of said rotatable member, said plate members being disposed in overlapping relation, said motor being operative while energized to rotate said rotatable memher in one direction maintain a stop on said rotatable member in engagement with the movable member of said stop engaging means after the solenoid actuating means thereof is deenergized and the disposition of the swingable plate members being operative to provide a counter torque for said rotatable member upon deenergization of said motor to rotate said rotatable member in the opposite direction to disengage said stop from said movable member of the stop engaging means to permit retraction of said movable member.

14. In combination, a circular rotatable member, a plurality of stops equiangularly spaced on the periphery of said rotatable member, a plurality of solenoid op= erated means including movable stop engaging members arranged in arcuate disposition adjacent the periphery of said rotatable member and numbering a small fraction of the total number of said stops and equal in number to a number of dilferent stop positions of said rotatable member measured between successive stops, an electric motor for rotating said rotatable member, circuit means for energizing said motor and said solenoid operated means, and circuit means for selectively controlling the operation of said solenoid operated means, said last mentioned means including a first set of cam operated switches, a second set of cam operated switches, a group of relays for controlling the operation of said first set of switches, a second group of relays for controlling the operation of said second set of switches, a third group of relays for controlling the operation of said solenoid operated means, a plurality of switches corresponding in number to the total number of stop positions of said rotatable member, and circuit means connecting each of said last mentioned switches to a different combination of relays taken from said first, second and third relay groups.

15. A printing device comprising a circular printing plate magazine arranged for rotation about a horizontal axis, a plurality of printing plates, means for swingably and slidably suspending each plate from the periphery of said magazine with said plates in overlapping relation, said plates being located at closely spaced angular intervals said suspending means comprising a wire and links connecting the ends of said wire with peripheral portions of said magazine, each plate being mounted at the upper end thereof for combined swingable and slidable movement on the wire associated therewith, a printor adjacent the lower peripheral portions of said magazine and to one side thereof, said printer having a threat portion for receiving a single printing plate, means for rotating said magazine, means for stopping said rotating magazine to bring a selected printing plate into alignment with the throat of said printer, means for advancing the selected printing plate on its suspending means into the throat of said printer, means for actuating said printer, and means for retracting the printing plate on its suspending means from the throat portion of said printer.

16. A printing device as in claim 15 wherein said plate advancing means comprises a pusher member for engaging the rear edge of said selected printing plate, lever means engageable with said pusher member and solenoid means for actuating said lever means.

17. A printing device as in claim 16 wherein said plate retracting means comprises a return lever engageable with the front edge of said selected printing plate and spring means biased to move said return lever upon deenergization of said solenoid means to retract said selected printing plate.

18. A printing device as in claim 17 and wherein said printer is electrically actuated, circuit means including a switch for operating said printer, said return lever being moved by the advance of said selected printing plate to operate said switch whereby to actuate said printer.

19. A printing device as in claim 15 wherein said stopping means comprises a plurality of stops circumferentially spaced about peripheral portions of said magazine at substantial angular intervals, a plurality of movable stop engaging members arranged in an arcuate path adjacent the periphery of said magazine, the angular spacing between the successive stop engaging members being different from the angular spacing between successive stops, means for selectively operating said stop engaging members for movement thereof to engage a selected stop whereby said magazine may be stopped in selected angular positions corresponding to selected closely spaced angular positions of said plates.

20. A device'as in claim 3 wherein said stopping means comprises a plurality of angularly spaced stops on said rotatable member at substantial angular intervals, a plurality of movable stop engaging means disposed in arcuate arrangement at an angular spacing therebetween difierent from the angular spacing between successive stops, means for actuating said stop engaging means, and means for selectively controlling the operation of said stop engaging actuating means whereby to stop said rotatable member at selected closely spaced angular positions intermediate successive stops.

21. A printing device comprising in combination, a rotatable member, a plurality of printing plates movably mounted on the periphery of said member at closely spaced angular positions, printing means for receiving a single printing plate located adjacent the peripheral portions of said member, means for rotating said member, means for stopping said member in a selected angular position thereof to bring a selected plate into a position operatively related to said printing means, and means for moving the selected plate into said printing means, said stopping means comprising a plurality of angularly spaced stops on said member and being of a number representing a small fraction of the total number of printing plates, a plurality of angularly spaced stop engaging members adjacent the periphery of said rotatable member for selective engagement with said stops, and means for selectively operating said stop engaging members in relation to said stops to provide a total number of operative combinations of stops and stop engaging members equal to the total number of angular positions on the rotatable member respectively corresponding to the printing plates thereon.

22. In combination, a rotatable member, an electric motor for rotating said member, a plurality of stops located at substantial angular intervals about the margin of said member, a plurality of stop engaging means in arcuate arrangement disposed adjacent the periphery of said member and having an angular spacing different from that of said stops, said stop engaging means being electrically operable and including movable members engageable with said stops, circuit means for energizing said motor and stop engaging means, a control circuit for said circuit means, said control circuit including a plurality of switches, means on said rotatable member for actuating said switches to energize a selected stop engaging means in relation to a selected stop on said rotatable member whereby to stop said rotatable member in any one of a plurality of closely spaced angular positions between successive stops, a plurality of members movably mounted on the periphery of said rotatable member, said movable members having an angular spacing corresponding to said closely spaced angular positions of the rotatable member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 891,624 Lebeis June 23, 1908 899,671 Lebeis Sept. 29, 1908 1,077,194 Fuller Oct. 28, 1913 1,320,681 Forth Nov. 4, 1919 1,675,969 Bull July 3, 1928 1,865,074 Baber June 28, 1932 1,908,944 Baber May 16, 1933 1,909,550 Pierce May 16, 1933 2,157,035 Torkelson May 2, 1939 2,604,846 Ahlstrand July 29, 1952 2,689,087 Baberis Sept. 14, 1954 2,712,106 Williams June 28, 1955 2,731,205 Innocenti Jan. 17, 1956 2,755,425 Reid July 17, 1956 

